I just couldn't resist this purchase. For those unfamiliar with this variant, its the Blackbird with 1 seat except for the included version that has a drone piggybacking the Cygnus. All in all sure the graphics arent super high end, but they are nice and do the aged bird justice all the same. No you cannot just go full throttle and hit Mach3.2 right after a brief climb. No chance! it flies just like the real one was designed. It takes time to climb within the aircraft envelope of operation and you must be patient or suffer a major failure. If like me, you have experience with similar aircraft kike the SB70 Valkyrie then you'll understand right away. Its not hard to flame out or destroy the craft with even subtle aerobatic maneuvers. This is a super high speed a to b type of plane.
Flying is a joy if you follow the instructions (only found the Sr71 Pilot book on developers website so.... Its basically the same) provided.
You cannot get a better iteration of this famous plane anywhere...forget any of the freeware versions they all stink!
Runs great on my rig which is a Win10 3.2ghz, i7, 16GB Ram with 630UHD integrated graphics on the FSX Steam version with medium high graphics settings. I love this plane.
-1 star for the periscope view screen never shows anything and yes i m sure i have it powered up and scope enabled. I was hoping that (like the demo screenshots) id be able to see it working, but sadly no.
Last note you better be ready for a difficult landing from the VC as the forward windscreen center bar blocks a bit of the forward view making it a challenge to line up properly.
Everything else works and is great!
One of the most enigmatic airplane of all times it's unbelievable how the producer respect the manual and the real performance like the real plane... so for say a movie citation - after mach 2 it becomes fast like a bat that escape from the fire of the hell "Cit. Tommy Lee Jones -Hawk- Space cowboys"
Unless you are a hard core Sr-71 fanatic and cannot believe nobody has done this amazing aircraft "right" and are tired of waiting,might want to wait longer. This is a $15 Fs9 maybe basic FSX aircraft that reminds me of the Alpha Sim planes. Basic, easy on the frames and realistic enough if you had a good imagination. At least the FM is not a rocket that handles like a F-16 but is sluggish and meant to fly A-B quickly. An attempt is made to model the very low G, straight line +2 -1 G overpowered spy plane. Its takes a step procedure to get up to cruising alt and speed. Landing can be tricky and ground effect is very pronounced. The parachute seems overly strong. 2 stars for the basic,bland interior and exterior graphics,no wing views. Sounds are bla but a decent burner sound. I collect sounds and do my own.The stock gear up/down is ancient and sounds like a DC-3. Documentation "pdf" is good. One star just for doing the Blackbird. Catch it on sale but for $30+ $5 more with international fee is WAY to much imo. So if you are hard up for the Sr-71, basic graphics/sound don't bother you nor the price, its the only game in town.